1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2008 Prius randomly dies when driving

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by John k., Nov 3, 2024.

  1. John k.

    John k. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2024
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It's happened a few times at slower speeds where the car will restart while I'm driving and start in accessory mode and in park. I've checked both the inverter, inverter water pump, and 12v battery, all three work fine. What else could it be? It almost killed me by locking up the breaks at 65MPH
     
    #1 John k., Nov 3, 2024
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    10,361
    1,790
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    You mean the ice engine returns to running whilst driving . In a different mode than just a second ago. ?
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Nov 4, 2024
  3. saneesh8

    saneesh8 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2024
    68
    9
    0
    Location:
    Allen, TX
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Loose connection somewhere? Any codes?
     
    #3 saneesh8, Nov 4, 2024
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,129
    50,045
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    any trouble lights?
     
    #4 bisco, Nov 4, 2024
  5. John k.

    John k. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2024
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    No the car shuts off like if you cut all power then starts back up like if you pressed the power button twice with no brake

    Odd part, no

    Nope
     
    #5 John k., Nov 4, 2024
  6. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    1,831
    927
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    How did you test the inverter, inverter pump, and 12V battery?
    Is that a branded title car?
    has it been underwater?
    who did the maintenance on it?
    Any major work been done on it?
     
    #6 BiomedO1, Nov 4, 2024
  7. John k.

    John k. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2024
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I did the tests you can find by searching online, and got the 12v tested at oriley's

    No It is not. Original title never been wreaked or anything

    Never been underwater

    I do most of the maintenance but I had someone replace my hybrid batts

    Other than the HV battery, no
     
    #7 John k., Nov 4, 2024
  8. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    1,831
    927
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    What's the warranty on that repaired pack?
    Was it a swap out or did they do individual battery/module replacements?
    Were those new or old replacement modules?
    Depending on your warranty, I'd probably take a peek inside that pack. Check for corrosion, especially at the connectors and HV safety disconnect.
    Even if there is a loose connector or corrosion in that pack, you should be throwing codes - because the 12V battery should be keeping the ECU alive. Check your battery ground points @ the frame. You seem to have multiple failure points. Check your wiring harness for vermin chew marks, heat related or corrosion on your wiring harness connectors. Use electrolytic grease when reassembling those connectors after inspection to prevent corrosion and moisture problems.
     
    #8 BiomedO1, Nov 5, 2024
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2024
  9. John k.

    John k. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2024
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    No warranty
    Individual cells
    New
    I'll check the ground when I can
    Doing a break job tomorrow I'll take a look at the other stuff
     
    #9 John k., Nov 5, 2024
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,129
    50,045
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i wonder if there is an internal short in the 12 volt? you checked the connections and ground to body?
     
    #10 bisco, Nov 5, 2024
  11. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    1,831
    927
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    There may be an issue with the start/stop button or ignition switch - but I really doubt it. It's easily tested by pounding around the button or rattling the key around to see if it kills the car.

    It could be just that simple.

    Just Rolled In - YouTube

    Enjoy!!!!
     
    #11 BiomedO1, Nov 5, 2024
  12. John k.

    John k. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2024
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    There is not, I found a random wire coming off of the ground of the car
     
    #12 John k., Nov 5, 2024
  13. John k.

    John k. New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2024
    6
    0
    0
    Location:
    Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I think it was the random wire I saw coming off the ground of my car
     
    #13 John k., Nov 5, 2024
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)